SDS

SDS: Problem Solver USF
October 1, 2014
Page 7 of 9
cleaning and degreasing activities). The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified welding fumes as possibly
carcinogenic to humans (group 2B).
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE - Electric arc welding may create one or more of the following health hazards:
FUMES AND GASES can be dangerous to your health.
PRIMARY ROUTES OF ENTRY are the respiratory system. Other possible routes are eyes and/or skin contact.
PREEXISTING respiratory or allergic conditions may be aggravated in some individuals (i.e. asthma, emphysema).
SHORT TERM (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE to welding fumes may result in discomfort such as metal fume fever, dizziness,
nausea, or dryness or irritation of nose, throat, or eyes. PRIMARY ROUTE OF ENTRY is the respiratory system. IRON, IRON
OXIDE, MANGANESE - Remove from overexposure and apply artificial respiration if needed. CHROMIUM- Inhalation of
chromium can cause irritation of nasal membranes and skin. FLUORIDES - Fluoride compounds produced may cause eye and skin
burns, and pulmonary edema bronchitis. Exposure to extremely high levels of fluorides can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea,
muscular weakness, and convulsions. In extreme cases it can cause loss of consciousness and death. NICKEL, NICKEL
OXIDE - May cause metallic taste, nausea, tightness in chest, fever, and allergic reactions.
LONG TERM (CHRONIC) OVEREXPOSURE may lead to siderosis (iron deposits in lungs) and is believed by some
investigators to affect pulmonary functions. PRIMARY ROUTE OF ENTRY is the respiratory system. IRON, IRON
OXIDE - Long term overexposure to iron fumes can cause deposits of iron in the lungs (siderosis). Lungs will clear in time when
exposure to iron and its compounds cease. MANGANESE - Long term exposure may lead to "Manganism.” Central nervous
system is affected and symptoms include muscular weakness, impaired speech, impaired movement, and tremors. Exposed workers
should get quarterly medical examinations for manganism. Bronchitis and some lung fibrosis have been reported.
FLUORIDES - Overexposure to fluorides can cause serious bone erosion, excessive calcification of the bone and calcification of
the ribs, pelvis and spinal column. May cause skin rash. NICKEL, NICKEL OXIDE - Long term overexposure to nickel products
may cause lung fibrosis or pneumoconiosis. Long term overexposure to HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (CrVI) is reported to
cause lung cancer in humans.
Monitor fume levels and do not exceed permissible limits.
SECTION 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
MATERIAL: Welding consumables and materials can degrade into the components used to manufacture the product. Avoid exposure to
conditions that could lead to accumulation in soils and groundwater.
CONTAMINATED PACKAGING: Empty containers should be taken for local recycling, recovery, or waste disposal. Metals may be
recycled.
SECTION 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATION
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Dispose of any grinding dust and waste residues in accordance with EPA or local regulations.
Plastic materials, cardboard, and wire can be re-cycled.
U.S.A. RCRA: Some unused product may contain chromium which is considered hazardous waste if discarded, RCRA ID
characteristic Toxic Hazardous Waste D007. Other ingredients in this product may be considered “hazardous material” in other
countries and they may require special disposal methods. Contact your local municipality for the proper disposal method.
Residues from welding consumables and processes could degrade and accumulate in groundwater. Welding slag from these
products could typically contain the following components from the coating of the electrode: Ni, Fe, Cr, Mn, F, Na, Si, and Ca.